In the spring of 2023, we saw Air France-KLM add business class seat assignment fees for flights in many markets, which was of course a controversial move. There’s now an update, as these fees have recently been expanded to more flights, including award tickets in all markets, and most routes to North America. I’ve received some questions about this, so let me explain what’s going on.
Recently we’ve seen the airline group expand this scheme to more routes, so here’s the current state of things:
- Seat assignment fees now apply to all long haul flights globally when redeeming miles, and also all Business Light and Business Standard long haul tickets, except those originating in the United States (so they apply on tickets to the United States, but not tickets from the United States)
- Flying Blue Silver, Gold, and Platinum members, Business Flex passengers, and corporate customers (excluding bluebiz), are exempt from these fees
- Business class passengers continue to be able to select seats of their choice at no fee at the check-in window
- The cost to assign seats varies significantly, and it can cost $200+, in some situations; the front row business class suites on select aircraft are also more expensive than the standard seat assign fees
As you can see, the one exception in long haul markets right now is for revenue tickets originating in the United States. I imagine that’s simply due to the joint venture with Delta and how pricing there works, and I’d be willing to bet the fees will be added there soon as well, especially as Delta also introduces its basic business class product.
You can also redeem Flying Blue miles toward seat assignment fees, though at a horrible rate, typically getting around half a cent of value per mile.
My take on business class seat assignment fees
“I love paying extra for seat assignments in business class”… said no one ever. In fairness, this might divide people more than you’d think:
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.
